Liquid nitrogen is a very simple concept. The fertiliser is applied through your sprayer using larger-size nozzles.
As nitrogen is taken in through the roots – and not through the leaves – the nozzles are designed to increase droplet size to bounce the fertiliser onto the ground.
1. Accuracy
One of the key advantages of liquid nitrogen is accuracy – particularly on the headlands. The headlands make up 20-30% of the total field area and it’s virtually impossible to spread them accurately with granular fertiliser.
Margins are either left too short or granules are flung into the ditch and, as a result, all farmers experience a drop in yields or lodged crops in these areas.
The accuracy of liquid nitrogen is a big step forward in terms of environmental stewardship. 36m tramlines are no problem and the same is applicable for tight corners and short ground.
2. Application widow
Regardless of conditions, liquid nitrogen will always flow through the sprayer at the required rates. This allows the product to be applied in wet or windy conditions, when it would be impossible to spread granular forms or nitrogen.
3. Efficient use of labour
Spraying the product only requires the same amount of labour input as a fungicide treatment. When applied at a rate of 60 units per acre, a typical 3,500L sprayer will have the capacity to cover 56ac in one fill.
With TAMS funding available, it’s also becoming increasingly attractive for farmers to invest in one high-spec sprayer, which can complete spraying and liquid fertiliser applications on most farms.
4. Simple storage solutions
Liquid nitrogen is cheap and effective to store. 50m³ storage tanks are available which will hold 65t at any one time.
5. Cost effective
Liquid nitrogen will always be cost competitive versus bulk CAN (calcium ammonium nitrate). In addition, it’s suitable for all tillage crops and on grassland. On grassland trials, liquid nitrogen has consistently given higher dry matter production than granular forms of fertiliser.
UK trials have given higher dry matter returns from liquid than granular in early spring and following first-cut silage.
Where can I get liquid nitrogen?
Deeside Agri has teamed up with Omex Fertiliser and is offering liquid nitrogen to tillage and grassland farmers in Ireland. To find out more about Omex Fertiliser, click here.
Omex material is UAN (50% urea, 25% ammonium and 25% nitrate). Plants can only take in nitrogen in the form of nitrate and ammonium. Because of this combination, you get a very quick response and a very even availability of nitrogen to the plant.
Deeside Agri is offering farmers two forms of liquid nitrogen, including: a straight 30% nitrogen (Nitroflo); and a 26% nitrogen and 2% sulphur mix (Nitroflo 26+S).
For more information on liquid nitrogen, contact Deeside Agri at: 041-6863524; call Billy O’Dea at: 086-2587482; Pat Smith at: 087-3914930; or Ronan Lynch at: 086-3804290. Click here to find out more
